Talleres de Córdoba secured a crucial victory against Gimnasia de La Plata, winning 2-0 in the 12th round of the Liga Profesional on April 5, 2025. This match marked the debut of Pablo Guiñazú as interim coach following the departure of Alexander Medina, who left after a series of disappointing results.
The match took place at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, where Talleres displayed a strong performance, particularly in the first half. They took control early on, and their efforts paid off when Augusto Schott scored the opening goal in the 16th minute, heading in from a corner kick. This set the tone for the remainder of the match.
Despite Talleres' early lead, Gimnasia fought back, attempting to equalize with several shots on goal. However, they were unable to find the back of the net, with Talleres' goalkeeper Javier Burrai making key saves to maintain his team's advantage. At halftime, the score stood at 1-0 in favor of the home side.
As the second half unfolded, Gimnasia increased their attacking presence, and Rodrigo Castillo came close to leveling the score, hitting the post with a header. However, the turning point came when a foul in the area led to a penalty for Talleres. Nahuel Bustos took the shot, but it was saved by Gimnasia's goalkeeper Nelson Insfrán. The rebound fell to Ulises Ortegoza, who made no mistake and scored in the 20th minute of the second half, extending Talleres' lead to 2-0.
The match was characterized by disciplined play, with Talleres not receiving any yellow cards while Gimnasia accumulated three. This discipline was crucial as it allowed Talleres to maintain their focus and control throughout the game.
In terms of statistics, Talleres dominated possession with 51% overall, while Gimnasia had 49%. Talleres registered a total of 15 shots on goal compared to Gimnasia's 19, but the latter struggled to convert their chances into goals. The final statistics showed Talleres with 294 successful passes against Gimnasia's 304, highlighting a closely contested match in terms of ball movement.
The victory was significant for Talleres, not just for the three points but also for morale, as they had previously been struggling in the league. This win lifted them into the qualifying zone for the final phase of the Apertura, placing them eighth in Zone B, just ahead of Gimnasia, who now face pressure in their upcoming matches.
Looking ahead, Talleres will face Libertad in Paraguay on April 8, 2025, for the second round of Group D in the Copa Libertadores, a match that could further define their season. Meanwhile, Gimnasia will prepare for a crucial encounter against Estudiantes in the Clásico de La Plata, set to take place on April 13, 2025.
This match not only showcased the resilience of Talleres under new leadership but also highlighted the challenges that Gimnasia must overcome as they seek to regain their form in the league.
